Fantasy of Flight — an evolving business model so see it while you can

Fantasy of Flight — an evolving business model so see it while you can

28º 10’ 52” N / 81º 48’ 33” W

Kermit Weeks built an incredible home to house and maintain his incredibly extensive aircraft collection and called it Fantasy of Flight. The aircraft there range from faithfully built replicas of before World War I aircraft through World War II era aircraft — both civil as well as military. Located in Polk City FL, Kermit Weeks (an accomplished aviator and aerobatic pilot) built a World War II airfield complete with two main hangars and water tower but that is only the beginning. The vast majority of the aircraft are maintained in flying condition and authentic flying condition as his philosophy is to fly them the way they were flown with their bad habits as well as their good habits. Weeks has works to preserve aviation’s history in ways most museums can only dream of and continues to do so (his latest project was to build a faithful replica of the historic Benoist XIV with a faithful recreation of the Roberts engine used on the first airline flying a regular schedule). He also promotes aviation in several aspects by hosting events, loaning aircraft as well as participating in the events of others. If there is a list of heroes preserving aviation’s history then Weeks must be in the rarefied few at the top of that list.

Fantasy of Flight — photo by Joseph May

Whether the Polk City location was not conducive to the general public visiting, of the fiscal realities of the overall economy, or perhaps people prefer to stay at home with their electronic devices Mr. Weeks has been forced to evolve the Fantasy of Flight business model. Beginning in April the facility will not be open to the general public though it will be available to rent for private affairs (dinners, celebrations, etc.). Disappointing news, yes, but Weeks will continue to house, maintain and improve his collection where he recently acquired 1930s vintage flying boats (adding to the Short Bros. Sunderland and Grumman Duck) — thankfully.

See the collection while you can (use the search window to find the review post) and enjoy the retro diner there as a bonus.